A while back
I was introduced to a local diver
who works in the ship yards.
One of his many “side jobs”
Is diving into the port waters to scrub barnacles,
remove wire from propellers,
underwater welding and the like.
It is grueling work!

Because of his own hearing issues,
he has dedicated his spare time
to teach the American Sign Language for the Deaf.

I Love You Amulet

I met him at a local coffee shop
where we got to talking about diving,
welding and such
when I spoke about my work as a jewelry designer
he became very enthusiastic.
He then commissioned
the I Love YouAmulet:
a heart shaped piece
with a hand in the I Love You sign.
He then asked me to make copies
for his Christmas gifts that year.

Each Yule he drops by my home
to pick up another batch for his students.
He has encouraged me to include these amulets
as a part of my line
in hope that if no other word in this language is learned,
the gesture of Love
is noticed around the necks
of people everywhere.